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Portman Finance is attracting private-equity interest at substantial valuations today. The specialist SME lender and broker is reported to be in talks over a transaction that could value the Northampton-based business at more than £300m.
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Engineers are warning of cascading risks across critical UK infrastructure. New research argues that resilience planning must account for compound extreme-weather events and failures spreading between power, water, transport, telecoms, healthcare, food, and digital systems.
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Gamma has reported growth while its takeover remains firmly live. First-half revenue increased 4% to £330m, led by stronger German performance and service-provider growth, as the communications group progresses towards a recommended £1.015bn acquisition by Epiris.
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Four regions are joining National Wealth Fund partnerships from today. South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, the North East, and Cardiff Capital Region will gain direct access to investment expertise and capital to develop infrastructure pipelines.
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Standard Life has lifted profit and cash generation strongly today. First-half adjusted operating profit rose 25% to £563m as the retirement group remained on track for its 2026 targets ahead of the planned Aegon UK acquisition.
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IQE has delivered a sharp first-half revenue increase this year. The Cardiff semiconductor materials group grew sales 43%, returned to positive adjusted EBITDA, and plans to move from AIM to London’s Main Market in 2027.
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Northern scaleups are set for a significant new capital pool. British Business Bank plans to commit up to £150m to a fund making £5m-to-£15m investments across northern England, including university spinouts and high-growth technology businesses.
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Molten has secured major backing for its latest growth fund. British Business Bank has committed £75m as a cornerstone investor, helping the venture platform reach a £175m first close for later-stage UK and European technology companies.
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Government has set a new ambition for British scaleups today. The package combines a unicorn growth target with regulatory sandboxes, regional finance, procurement reform, and changes intended to shorten infrastructure delays.
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Two gambling operators have surrendered licences after regulatory compliance enquiries. BresBet and Bet St George gave up their Gambling Commission licences following suspensions over suspected social-responsibility and anti-money-laundering failings.